Sherlock defends true blue Gavin

Jason Sherlock says Jim Gavin isn't bothered by criticism...

The Dublin manager came in for some harsh words from certain quarters over his lack of emotion following Dublin's All Ireland final win over Mayo.

However speaking as he launches his new book 'Jayo', Sherlock says no-one can question Gavin's passion for the Dublin cause.

"Jim's heart is blue," he said. "He does what he feels he can for Dublin. He was in the Air Corps, and their motto is to serve. He served Dublin as a player so well. He was so professional in how he prepared and how he applied himself."

"I remember Dublin playing a game against Wexford in Carlow when Jim came on in the last minute and won a breaking ball. He took as much pride in that contribution as he did when he played a key role (in winning the All Ireland title) in 1995.

"That's how he was a player and he's just applied that in how he coached the U21's and now the seniors. He's there to serve Dublin as best he can. The way he does that is to get the most out of his players.

"Jim would say it himself - sport is full of opinions, that's the beauty of it. The reality of it is that there's no right or wrong. There are no metrics in this, people have opinions and that's what makes sport so important to this island, it's great!

"It doesn't phase Jim. He's there to do what he has to do.

"We know Jim. He obviously doesn't feel that it's necessary for him to speak out, and I don't feel it either. We just appreciate what he's done as a coach for Dublin."